I have modified two of these cameras and both are perfect. As an electronics engineer I know what each component on that PCB does and how this camera works, I can say that the only way you can stop this camera working is to splash solder over the PCB components. A fine tip soldering iron and a little heat is all thats needed to pry the tab away from the PCB. That action alone cannot damage the camera. Have a real close look over the board. Make sure that the two solder pads on the PCB have not joined together when you unsoldered the outer tab.

Because of the focus problem I was “real rough” with the first camera as I was going to junk it, I still couldn’t kill it.

Yes, I know it’s frustrating when something doesn’t work, however there are a few problems here.

Looks like way too much heat or the soldering tip was way too big. The tip of iron should only be applied to the base of the solder pad as the tab is levered away from the pad. It looks like the soldering tip may have gone through the side of the image sensor housing, but it’s a bit hard to tell from the picture. Providing it didn’t short anything out, it may be ok. There also appears to be a lot of solder spray over the board.

I would get a big magnifier so you can see any solder bridges, and a tooth brush to clean the area around the solder pad and components.

Once that is done, a picture taken from directly above the board and a close-up of side of the housing may give me a better idea of the condition of the PCB and components.